China’s Chongqing issues policy to subsidize construction, operation of EV charging, battery swap facilities

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chongqing city's municipal Finance Bureau and Commission of Economy and Information Technology recently co-released a new set of financial subsidy policies for the year 2023 concerning the development of charging and battery-swapping infrastructures (referred to henceforth as "the notice").

This progressive subsidy scheme aims to stimulate more efficient, large-scale development and operation of charging and battery-swapping facilities, paving the way for a more robust and sustainable ecosystem for electric vehicles in the city of Chongqing.

Geely Technology Group's demonstration battery swap station in Chongqing city; photo credit: Geely Technology Group

Aiming to address the current deficiencies and bolster the supporting operational services in the sector, the notice primarily covers four domains: the construction of charging piles and battery-swapping stations, the upgrading of city-level monitoring platforms, and the enhancement of promotional atmosphere, encompassing nine specific policy measures in total.

For the construction of public fast charging piles, the notice stipulates that newly built DC charging piles will be eligible for a one-off construction subsidy of 150 yuan per kilowatt in central urban areas and 200 yuan per kilowatt outside of these areas. Those built within the city's highway service areas or at 3A (and above) scenic spots will receive a subsidy of 300 yuan per kilowatt. Larger-power charging piles, with a single-pile power output not less than 350 kilowatts, are entitled to a one-off subsidy of 350 yuan per kilowatt.

In regards to subsidies for the construction of public slow charging piles, a one-off construction subsidy of 50 yuan per kilowatt will be granted for those established in governmental institutions, enterprises and public institutions, social organizations, private enterprises, industrial parks, business districts, tourist spots, and other internal parking spaces.

The notice also covers subsidies for "unified construction and operation" within residential communities. In line with related requirements to further improve the service guarantee capacity of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the notice supports the development of dedicated charging spots using public parking spaces in residential communities and affordable housing. For these projects, a one-off subsidy of 50 yuan per kilowatt will be provided.

The notice also encourages the establishment of "charging-storage-parking" experience center demonstrations, promoting the coexistence of diversified service formats such as charging (and swapping), energy storage, and smart parking, and the provision of basic living facilities within the experience center. Public fast-charging piles with an average single-gun power of not less than 120 kilowatts within the experience center will be eligible for a one-off subsidy of 200 yuan per kilowatt, large power charging piles with a power of not less than 350 kilowatts will be eligible for 400 yuan per kilowatt, and battery-swapping stations will be eligible for 400 yuan per kilowatt.

In addition to these, the notice also specifies subsidies for the construction of battery-swapping stations, which provide shared battery-swapping technical services and are capable of serving multiple brands and models. According to the rated charging power of the battery-swapping equipment, a one-off construction subsidy of 350 yuan per kilowatt will be given. The maximum subsidy for taxi, ride-hailing, postal express, and urban logistics battery-swapping stations should not exceed 500,000 yuan per station, and for city sanitation, muck transport, port operation, and trunk logistics battery-swapping stations, the maximum subsidy should not exceed 800,000 yuan per station.

Lastly, battery-swapping station operation awards will be provided. For taxi, ride-hailing, postal express, and urban logistics battery-swapping stations that achieve an average monthly battery swap of over 5,000 times and an average monthly swap power of over 100,000 kWh, a one-off operation award of 300,000 yuan per station will be given.

Besides, for city sanitation, earth transportation, port operation, and trunk logistics battery-swapping stations that achieve an average monthly battery swap of over 500 times and an average monthly swap power of over 50,000 kWh, a one-off operation award of 300,000 yuan per station will be granted.